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FGCU students can get classy at etiquette course

Florida Gulf Coast University students will eat like professionals — or at least learn how to — at the Mind Your Manners etiquette dinner on Nov. 5.
This is the first time in six years that Career Development Services will offer the event in both the fall and spring semesters.
Local employers donate money to Career Development Services to fund the etiquette course.
“This year, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has donated a lot for the event,” said Frances Simeon, student assistant for Career Development Services. “That’s why it will be held twice.”
The course teaches students how to network with professionals and properly eat a four-course meal.
“It’s basically a time for students to come together and learn more about proper etiquette,” Simeon said. “It’s pretty important because a lot of interviews or meetings are now done in restaurant settings.”
The event is free for FGCU students and all 50 spots are already filled. Students are able to place their name on a waitlist in case there are cancelations. If registered students cancel within 48 hours of the event, they will be charged a $25 fee.
Students are asked to arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Airport for a “mocktail” hour that will allow them to network with professionals.
“You’re put in an environment where you have to talk to everyone,” said Gina Dominici, marketing assistant for Career Development Services. “Students make good connections with future employers.”
An etiquette host will walk students through the proper way to eat the meal.
“The event was very helpful and gave me a lot of insight when it comes to fine dining with an employer or someone important,” said Nerland Almonord, a junior majoring in community health who attended the event last year.
“One thing that has stuck with me most was that you can’t take a to-go plate if your boss is paying for the meal,” Simeon said.

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